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ICAST is the ‘major’ trade show in the world

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Pat Levy, of J.M. Gillies: ICAST is the easily worth the long journey from Australia.

ICAST is the major fishing trade show in the world – it’s as simple as that!

The Australians are known for their straight-talking and Pat Levy, Managing Director of fishing tackle manufacturer and distributor, J.M. Gillies is unequivocal as to why all representatives within the industry should attend the U.S. showpiece.

Getting to the world’s biggest fishing tackle trade show from Oz is quite an effort, but one that Levy believes is truly worthwhile.

Since making his debut at the show in 1989 when it took place in Las Vegas, Levy has been a regular attendee. “All the shows around the world are different. Retailers, manufacturers and distributors have their own specific reasons for attending each one, but ICAST is the major show in the world.

“We attend because it is the place where you get to speak to all the major players in the industry from the principals downward. It is also where all the major manufacturers release products for the coming season and if we can get the goods into Australia quick enough then it sets us up for the summer – and that is very important to our business.

“When I first attended ICAST I remember being bowled over by the sheer size of the event compared to what we had back in Australia – and it has grown even bigger. The inclusion of the fly fishing show has been great for the industry as it means that we can attend both shows at the same time, which is very important for customers like ourselves who have to travel long distances.

“It is also an important opportunity for us to see our regular agencies, build on those relationships and to find out what exciting new products they have in store for us. You also get the chance to see what your competitors are introducing and see where they are heading.”